Storage system

ABSTRACT

The current invention relates to a storage system comprising of at least one storage receptacle that is suspended by movably coupling the storage receptacle to at least one longitudinally extending track. The storage receptacle may be movably coupled to the track either by coupling members that are coupled to frames, trucks, or the receptacle itself. The storage receptacle is movable along the track between first and second positions.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/753,276, filed on Dec. 22, 2005.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a storage system that is positionablein a space that would otherwise be unusable. In certain applications, itis desirable to store items in spaces that would otherwise be unused andto provide convenient access to such stored items while maximizingavailable space. Standard storage systems are unequal to the task. Thus,there is an ongoing demand for further contributions in this area oftechnology.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention includes movably coupling truckscoupled with receptacles to tracks. Another embodiment includes movablycoupling receptacle frames supporting receptacles to tracks. Still otherembodiments include coupling a housing to a support surface to suspendthe housing above the ground. Further embodiments, forms, features,aspects, benefits, objects, and advantages of the present applicationshall become apparent from the detailed description and figures providedherewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of a storage system in the stored position.

FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of the storage system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the storage system of FIG. 1 in use.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the storage system of FIG. 1 installed in asingle car garage and a multiple car garage.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a truck and tracks of the storage systemof FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a frame of the storage system of FIG. 1with engagement members mounted thereon.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a receptacle of the storage system ofFIG. 1 with engagement members mounted thereon.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a receptacle of the storage system ofFIG. 1 with engagement members and a front cover mounted thereon.

FIG. 9 is a side plan view of another storage system utilizing a rackupon which the storage receptacles may be supported and having the folddown track portion thereof in its collapsed condition.

FIG. 10 is a side plan view of the rack shown in FIG. 9 with the folddown track portion of the rack in its extended position and the storagereceptacles in their extended position.

FIG. 11 is a side plan view of the rack of the storage system of FIG. 9with engagement members engaging a supporting surface.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the rack and storage receptacles ofFIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the rack and storage receptacles shown inFIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is a side plan view of a truck of the storage system of FIG. 9with a swivel system.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the swivel system of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side plan view of another storage system.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the storagereceptacle.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another storage receptacle frame ofFIG. 16.

FIG. 19A is a partial view of an engagement member of the track of FIG.16.

FIG. 19B is a partial sectional view of the engagement member of thetrack of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19C is a partial sectional view of the engagement member of theframe within the track of FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the storage system of FIG. 16.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another storage system mounted to anexterior wall.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a track and frame of the storage systemof FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a side plan view of the storage system of FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended. Any alterations or further modificationsof the described embodiments and any further applications of theprinciples of the invention as described herein are contemplated aswould normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the inventionrelates.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a storage system 10according to one embodiment of the current invention. System 10 isconfigured to be suspended from a support surface 12 and move withrespect to support surface 12 between using and storing positions.System 10 includes support members or tracks 20, trucks 40, and storagereceptacles 60. System 10 may include a single track 20, truck 40, andreceptacle 60 or combinations of both multiple and single tracks 20,trucks 40, and receptacles 60. System 10 allows items to be stored inspaces that would otherwise be wasted because of vehicles 14 parked inthe garage. A single storage system 10 may be installed in a single cargarage 16 opposite a garage door system 17 and multiple storage systems10 may installed in a multiple car garage 18 opposite multiple garagedoor systems 17 as shown in FIG. 4. In other embodiments, storage system10 may be utilized in basements, carports, warehouses, storage rooms, orthe like. The storage system 10 in the single car garage 16 is shown inthe storing position. The storage systems 10 in the multiple car garage18 are shown with one storage system 10 in the using position and theother storage system 10 in the storing position.

Tracks 20 are coupled to support surface 12. Support surface 12 isgenerally planar and may include, but is not limited to, ceiling andfloor joists, wall studs, floors, ceilings, walls, and other supportingsurfaces. In one embodiment, a single track 20 is coupled to supportsurface 12. In another embodiment, two tracks 20 are coupled to supportsurface 12 in the form of ceiling joists. Tracks 20 may be coupled tosupport surface 12 by screws, nut and bolt arrangements, nails, metalangle braces, adhesive, wooden pegs, threaded truss hangers, or othersecuring means.

Tracks 20 include engagement surfaces 22 as shown in FIG. 5. In otherembodiments, tracks 20 include stoppers (not shown) located on surfaces22 at either or both ends of tracks 20 to prevent trucks 40 from movingbeyond the ends of tracks 20. Tracks 20 may be substantially U orL-shaped metal channels that are aligned substantially parallel withrespect to one another. In other embodiments, tracks 20 may be rails,guides, bars, or other support members composed of metal, wood, plastic,or other suitable materials that may be aligned substantially parallel,substantially perpendicular, or diagonally across with respect to theceiling joists. Tracks 20 may be spaced apart a distance D1 that isproportional to the width of vehicles 14, support surface 12, and/orreceptacles 60 as shown in FIG. 2.

Trucks 40 include planar rectangular sheets 42, coupling members 44, andengagement members 46. Sheets 42 may be other shapes and may be composedof wood, metal, plastic, particle board, or other rigid materials. Inother embodiments, instead of sheet 42, truck 40 may include crossmembers (not shown) that are directly coupled with each other to form aframe (not shown) and have coupling members 44 and engagement members 46coupled thereto. Coupling members 44 and engagement members 46 aredirectly coupled to sheet 42 and are located at the corners of sheet 42on opposing surfaces of sheet 42. In other embodiments, coupling members44 and engagement members 46 may be removably coupled to the samesurface of sheet 42 or may alternate between being coupled to the sameand opposing surfaces of sheet 42.

Coupling members 44 removably couple receptacles 60 to truck 40. Inother embodiments, coupling members 44 directly couple receptacles 60 totruck 40. Coupling members 44 may be adjustable straps or belts thatextend down the front and back and/or sides of receptacles 60 andunderneath receptacles 60. In another embodiment, coupling members 44allow for at least about two degrees of rotational freedom whenreceptacles 60 are coupled to truck 40. In still other embodiments,coupling members 44 may be non-adjustable straps, hooks, nut and boltarrangements, metal straps, or other such couplings.

Engagement members 46 movably couple trucks 40 to tracks 20 by engagingsurfaces 22. In other embodiments, multiple engagement members 46 engagemultiple surfaces 22 of each track 20. Engagement members 46 may bewheels that roll along surfaces 22 of tracks 20. In other embodiments,engagement members 46 may be casters, bearings, rollers, carouselmechanisms, glide mechanisms, wheels or solid bars that slide alongsurface 22, or other engagement mechanism or combination thereof.

It should be appreciated that trucks 40 may be replaced with a frame 50that has engagement members 46 directly coupled thereto. FIG. 6illustrates frame 50 as a 3-dimensional parallelogram frame 50 withengagement members 46 directly coupled to the corners of frame 50 in acommon plane P1. In another embodiment, frame 50 may be a 2-dimensionalparallelogram that supports receptacles 60 with engagement members 46directly coupled to the corners of frame 50 in a common plane. In stillother embodiments, frame 50 may also include coupling members (notshown) that removably couple or directly couple receptacles 60 to frame50. Frame 50 supports and/or contains receptacles 60 and includes framemembers 52 that are coupled to one another to form multiple2-dimensional parallelograms, which are coupled together to form3-dimensional frame 50. Additional frame members 52 may be coupleddiagonally within the parallelograms to provide additional strength. Inother embodiments, instead of frame members 52, frame 50 may includeparallelogram sheets (not shown) made of plastic, wood, metal, particleboard, or any other rigid material or combination thereof, that aredirectly coupled to each other to form a 3-dimensional parallelogram.

FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 7, and 8 depict receptacles 60. It should be appreciatedthat trucks 40 may be eliminated and engagement members 46 may bedirectly couple to receptacles 60 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Receptacles60 include a top 62, a bottom 64, and multiple sides 66 extendingbetween top 62 and bottom 64 that define a front 67a and a back 67 b ofreceptacles 60. In one embodiment, receptacles 60 are cabinets, as shownin FIGS. 7 and 8, with doors that may be secured to the cabinets bypins, zippers, Velcro ®, snaps, glides, and/or hinges and that may fold,slide, collapse, roll, and/or open up, down, forward, or side to side.In another embodiment, receptacles 60 may include organizing accessoriessuch as hooks (not shown) or racks (not shown) that allow items to behung on the inside or outside of receptacles 60. In yet anotherembodiment, receptacles 60 may include fold down workbenches (not shown)that are secured to receptacles 60. In other embodiments, receptacles 60may be containers, tubs, partially enclosed shelves, racks, bins, orother storage receptacles composed of vinyl, plastic, fiberglass,composites, resins, fabrics, and/or plexi-glass that includecompartments, closets, hangers, shelves, bins, hooks, drawers, doors, orother access and/or storage configurations. Top 62 and bottom 64 may berectangularly shaped and have three sides 66 extending therebetween toleave an opening 68 into receptacle 60. In another embodiment, sides 66are directly coupled to bottom 64, while top 62 is removably coupled tosides 66. In still other embodiments, one of sides 66 is removablycoupled between top 62 and bottom 64. Opening 68 may open into a seriesof compartments 70. Compartments 70 may include a series of drawers 72mounted one over the other within the receptacle 60. In anotherembodiment, compartments 70 may be a series of shelves 74 within thereceptacle 60 with a sheet of material 76 removably covering the opening68.

In the storing position, shown in FIG. 1, receptacles 60 are positionedclose to one another where the back 67 b of one receptacle 60 abuts thefront 67 a of another. In the using position, shown in FIG. 3, thedesired receptacle 60 is separated from the other receptacle 60 abuttingthe front 67 a of the desired receptacle such that a person could accessthe desired receptacle 60. In other embodiments, receptacles 60 may beoriented such that the fronts 67 a of two adjacent receptacles 60 faceone another, the backs 67 b or sides 66 of two adjacent receptacles 60face one another, or a combination of the fronts 67 a, backs 67 b,and/or sides 66 of receptacles 60 face one another.

FIGS. 9-15 illustrate storage system 110 according to another version ofthe current invention. System 110 includes storage receptacles 160 andrack 170 on which each of the storage receptacles 160 may be supportedrather than hung. In other embodiments, system 110 may also includeframes (not shown).

FIGS. 9-13 illustrate rack 170. Rack 170 engages support surface 112 inthe form of a floor or wall. In other embodiments, rack 170 may bemounted to a wall or ceiling. Rack 170 includes legs 172, tracks 174extending between legs 172, braces 176 extending between legs 172 andtracks 174, and a hinged fold down track 180. In another embodiment,rack 170 may not include braces 176. In still other embodiments,engagement members 171 in the form of casters, bearings, rollers,carousel mechanisms, glide mechanisms, or wheels are coupled to thebottom of legs 172 and engage support surface 112 to move racks 170 andreceptacles 160 laterally with respect to support surface 112. Rack 170has opposite ends 178 a and 178 b. End 178 a is positioned adjacent therear wall 112 of a garage. In another embodiment, end 178 a may bespaced from the rear wall 112 of the garage allowing for access to doorsextending between the garage and an attached building as the rack 170may be provided in a totally free standing version. In still otherembodiments, end 178 a may be secured to the rear wall 112 of a garageor other building. End 178 b is positioned a distance forward of theback wall of the garage and in front of or above vehicle 114 as shown inFIG. 9, 11, and 13. Rack 170 may have a width that is proportional tothe width of vehicles 114 as shown in FIG. 13. In another embodiment,two racks 170 may be positioned side by side to accommodate vehicles 114in a two car garage and legs 172 contiguous to each other may be asingle leg 172. In still other embodiments, three racks 170 may bepositioned side by side to provide for three vehicles 114 in a three cargarage and legs 172 contiguous to each other may be a single leg 172.

Tracks 174 include engagement surfaces 122 and may have a variety ofconfigurations. In one embodiment, tracks 174 may include stoppers (notshown) located on surfaces 122 at either or both ends of track 174 toprevent receptacles 160 from moving beyond surfaces 122 of track 174. Inanother embodiment, surface 122 is a frame (not shown) that supportsreceptacles 160. In still other embodiments, tracks 174 may be a sheetof material (not shown) extending between legs 172 with longitudinallyupstanding flanges (not shown) adjacent opposite sides of rack 170.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate hinged rack or track extension 180. Extension180 includes support legs 182, tracks 184 having opposite ends 185 a and185 b, a hinged leg 186, and a foldable brace 188 extending betweenhinged leg 186 and tracks 184. Extension 180 is folded down such thatsupport legs 182 engage support surface 112 and tracks 184 are alignedwith tracks 174 to provide an extension of the rack 170 that may beutilized when accessing storage receptacles 160. End 185 a of tracks 184is hinged to end 178 b of tracks 174 and provided with hinged leg 184,which can be depended from tracks 180 when track 180 is fully extended.Foldable brace 188 is provided for rigidly supporting track 180. Tracks184 are generally identical to track 174 but of shorter length so as toprovide, when extended as shown in FIG. 10, a mere continuation of track174. When extension 180 is extended, storage receptacles 160 may bemoved so as to separate them for access as shown in FIG. 10. Whenstorage receptacles 160 are positioned adjacent one another on tracks174, extension 180 may be collapsed up against leg 172 or receptacles160.

Receptacles 160 include a top 162, a bottom 164, and a plurality ofsides 166 that extend between top 162 and bottom 164. The sides 166define a front 167 a and a back 167 b of the receptaclel 160. Sides 166are directly coupled to bottom 162, while top 162 is removably coupledto sides 166. In other embodiments, one of sides 166 is removablycoupled between top 162 and bottom 164. Receptacles 160 may be cabinets,plastic containers, tubs, partially enclosed shelves, racks, bins, orother storage receptacles and may include shelves, doors, drawers, orother access and/or storage configurations.

Receptacles 160 have engagement members 146 coupled to the corners ofreceptacles 160 that engage rack 170 to move receptacles 160 withrespect to rack 170. In one embodiment, engagement members 146 may bewheels. In still other embodiments, engagement members 146 may becasters, bearings, rollers, carousel mechanisms, glide mechanisms orsolid bars that slide along surface 122 of tracks 174 or any otherengagement mechanism or combinations thereof as may occur to one skilledin the art. Multiple engagement members 146 may engage multiple surfaces122 of tracks 174 if desired.

It should be appreciated that engagement members 146 may be eliminatedor substituted by fasteners (not shown) which merely secure receptacles160 to tracks 174, 184 as desired. In other embodiments, rack 170 mayalso be provided without hinged extension 180. In still otherembodiments, receptacles 160 that have circular, square or octagonal orother desired cross-sections have the same dimensions both length wiseof racks 170 and width wise of racks 170. In those embodiments in whichstorage receptacles 160 have rectangular cross-sections, the movement ofstorage receptacles 160 may include: separation of storage receptacles160 through movement of storage receptacles 160 along the tracks 174,184; swiveling of storage receptacles 160 with respect to tracks 174,184 and adjacent storage receptacles; or a combination of movement alongtracks 174, 184 and swiveling with respect to tracks 174, 184.

It should also be appreciated that receptacles 160 may be coupled totrucks 140 that engage rack 170 to move receptacles 160 with respect torack 170 as shown in FIG. 14. Trucks 140 include an octagonal sheets142, engagement members 146, and swivel system 190. In otherembodiments, sheets 142 may be other shapes. Each of receptacles 160 isrotatable about swivel system 190 to provide access. Receptacles 160hung from trucks 140, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, or supported on rack170, as illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, may also include swivelsystem 190 installed between the storage receptacle 160 and trucks 140.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate swivel system 190. Swivel system 190 includesan upper portion 192 and a lower portion 194 separated by a carousel 196having ball or roller bearings 198 therein. It should be appreciatedthat in other embodiments, swivel system 190 may not be coupled to truck140 and may instead be coupled directly to support surface 112. Carousel196 defines a path 197 that bearings 198 travel along. Bearings 198engage portion 192 and 194 and travel along path 197 as portion 192 isrotated with respect to portion 194. Each of receptacles 160 may berotated about a central axis 199 to provide access from each side ofreceptacles 160. In one embodiment, the receptacle 160 may both bemoveable so as to separate receptacles 160 as above disclosed andswivelable so as to present multiple sides to a person accessingreceptacle 160.

FIGS. 16-20 illustrate a storage system 210 according to another versionof the current invention. System 210 includes tracks 220, frame 240,receptacles 260 (shown in phantom), and brackets 248. In otherembodiments, system 210 may not include frame 240. System 210 mayinclude a single track 220, frame 240, and receptacle 260 or combinationof both multiple and single tracks 220, frames 240, and receptacles 260as may occur to one skilled in the art.

Tracks 220 include a plurality of engagement surfaces 222 and pluralityof engagement members 221 coupled to the ends of tracks 220 that movablyengage multiple support surfaces 212. Engagement members 221 may bewheels that roll along surfaces 222 of tracks 220. In other embodiments,engagement members 221 may be casters, bearings, rollers, carouselmechanisms, glide mechanisms, wheels or solid bars that slide alongsurface 222, or other engagement mechanism or combination thereof.

Engagement members 221 allow tracks 220 to be moved laterally withrespect to support surfaces 212 to allow access to storage receptacles260 and/or more efficiently utilize space within the garage. In oneembodiment, tracks 220 are positioned vertically in an adjacent abuttingrelationship with support surface 212 in the form of a wall 112, whilemembers 221 movably engage channels 213 secured to support surface 212in the form of a floor 112 and a wall 112, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 20.In another embodiment, tracks 220 are positioned vertically apart fromsupport surface 212 in the form of a wall 112 such that members 221movably engage channels 213 secured to support surface 212 in the formof a floor 112 and ceiling 112, as shown in FIGS. 19A-C. In yet anotherembodiment, members 221 movably engage channels 213 secured to supportsurface 212 in the form of a floor 112 and wall plates 213 secured tosupport surface 212 in the form of a wall 112, as shown in FIGS. 17 and20. In still another embodiment, only one support surface 212 has achannel 213 secured thereto, as shown in FIG. 17. In a furtherembodiment, tracks 220 are able to be moved at least right, left,forward, backward, and diagonally with respect to support surfaces 212,as shown in FIGS. 18-20. In still further embodiments, engagementmembers 221 engage support surface 212 in the form of a wall 112 or aceiling 112 to keep the storage system 210 upright, while supportsurface 212 in the form of a floor 112 bears the load, as shown in FIGS.17, 19A-C, and 20.

Frame 240 is a 3-dimensional parallelogram frame that contains and/orretains receptacles 260 therein. It should be appreciated that frame 240may be a single parallelogram that receptacle 260 may be placed upon. Inone embodiment, frame 240 includes a swivel system similar to that shownin FIG. 15. Frame 240 includes frame members 242 and engagement members246 that movably couple frame 240 to tracks 220 by engaging surfaces222, as shown in FIG. 19C. In other embodiments where frame 240 is notincluded, engagement members 246 are coupled with receptacles 260 tomovably couple receptacles 260 to tracks 220 by engaging surfaces 222.Frame members 242 are directly coupled to one another to form a seriesof parallelograms. Some frame members 242 may be coupled diagonallyacross the parallelograms to give additional strength to theparallelograms, as shown in FIG. 18. The series of parallelograms aredirectly coupled to one another to form a 3-dimensional parallelogram.Engagement members 246 are directly coupled to frame members 242.

Frame 240 is supported by brackets 248 that extend from tracks 220 toframe 240. Brackets 248 may be solid metal bars that engage frame 240and are rotatably coupled with tracks 220. In another embodiment,brackets 248 may be metal sleeves or hydraulic actuators (not shown)that pivotally engage track 220 and movably engage frame 240 to raiseand lower frame 240 with respect to tracks 220. In yet anotherembodiment, an electric motor (not shown) or a hand crank may be used toraise and lower frame 240 with respect to tracks 220, while bracket 248prevents movement of frame 240 beyond a certain point. In still anotherembodiment, brackets 248 prevent movement of frame 240 with respect totracks 220 beyond a predetermined point.

In still other embodiments, brackets 248 may not be included andinstead, an additional frame or storage receptacle 249 may be coupledbeneath frame 240 to support frame, as depicted in FIG. 17. Frame orstorage receptacle 249 may be directly coupled to frame 240 and/ortracks 220 with bolts, clips, or other coupling members (not shown) andmove side to side. In other embodiments, frame or storage receptacle 249may include engagement members (not shown) that engage surface 212 inthe form of a floor and/or ceiling.

FIGS. 21-23 illustrate storage system 310 according to another versionof the current invention. System 310 includes tracks 320 and housing 330coupled to tracks 320 to suspend housing 330 above the ground.

Tracks 320 are generally solid with a substantially rectangular crosssection and are secured with fasteners (not shown) to support surface312 in the form of a wall. In one embodiment, fasteners may be nut andbolt arrangements, screws, nails, or the like. In other embodiments,tracks 320 may be secured to support surface 312 with adhesive or acombination of adhesive and fasteners. Tracks 320 are horizontallyaligned with respect to one another and may be composed of metal, wood,plastic, cement, or other rigid materials or combinations thereof.

Housing 330 includes frame members 331, top portion 332, bottom portion333, and side portions 334 extending between top 332 and bottom 334. Inone embodiment, housing 330 is a shed. In another embodiment, housing330 includes a vent 337 that allows for circulation of air throughhousing 330. In yet another embodiment, housing 330 includes a ramp 335that may double as a door, which extends from housing 330 when in useand is retained within housing 330 or beneath housing 330 when stored.Housing 330 may be used to store items including, but not limited to,trash containers as illustrated in FIG. 23, lawn mowers (not shown),garden tools and supplies (not shown), and the like.

Frame members 331 are longitudinally extending parallelograms thatcouple with tracks 320 to suspend housing 330 above the ground. In oneembodiment, frame members 331 are composed of metal, wood, plastic, orother rigid materials or combinations thereof. Frame members 331 mayinclude shelf mounts (not shown) for supporting planar sheets (notshown) and forming shelves (not shown) within housing 330. In otherembodiments, shelf mounts (not shown) may allow for drawers (not shown)or other storage receptacles (not shown) to be mounted within housing330. Frame members 331 may be directly coupled with tracks 320 orsecured to tracks 320 with fasteners (not shown).

Top 332, bottom 333, and sides 334 are generally planar and may becomposed of metal, wood, plastic, or other materials. In one embodiment,top 332, bottom 333, and sides 334 have a waterproof skin (not shown).Top 332, bottom 333, and sides 334 are coupled to frame members 331 andeach other such that top 332 is positioned above bottom 333 with sides334 and frame members 331 extending therebetween. In other embodiments,top 332, bottom 333, and sides 334 are coupled to each other and aresupported by frame members 331. Top 332 and sides 334 may be pivotallycoupled with frame 331 and/or bottom 333 to allow for movement of top332 with respect to frame 331, bottom 333, and/or sides 334, and sides334 with respect to frame 331, bottom 333, and/or top 332. In oneembodiment, one of sides 334 is pivotally connected with bottom 333and/or frame 331 to forms a ramp 335. In another embodiment, one ofsides 334 is pivotally connected with sides 334 and/or frame 331 suchthat side 334 forms a door 336. In other embodiments, multiple sides 334are pivotally connected with sides 334 and/or frame 331 such that sides334 form multiple doors 336.

Each of the various embodiments of the invention allow for storage toeither be suspended above a support surface 12, 112, 212, 312 in theform of a garage floor or other building or suspended from a supportsurface 12, 112, 212, 312 in the form of a wall 12, 112, 212, 312 orceiling 12, 112, 212, 312 as above described. Each of the storagereceptacles 60, 160, 260, 360 may be utilized for storage and easilyaccessed to remove the contents from the receptacle 60, 160, 260, 360 asdesired. Each of the receptacles 60, 160, 260, 360 may either beseparated as above disclosed for access or swively rotated for access orboth as above described. In one embodiment, the space beneathreceptacles 60, 160, 260, 360 is maintained for other purposes. Each ofthe various embodiments of the invention are configured to in such a waythat access to the room in which the storage system 10, 110, 210, 310 isinstalled is fully maintained beneath the storage system 10, 110, 210,310 and on the opposite ends and the opposite sides of the storagesystem 10, 110, 210, 310.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be consideredillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly selected embodiments have been shown and described and that allchanges, equivalents, and modifications that come within the scope ofthe inventions described herein or defined by the following claims aredesired to be protected.

1. A storage system, comprising: at least one support member adapted toengage at least one support surface, said support member having at leastone engagement surface; at least one storage receptacle; and at leastone truck having a plurality of engagement members and a plurality ofcoupling members, said coupling members coupling said storage receptacleto said truck and said engagement members movably engaging saidengagement surface to move said storage receptacle and said truckbetween at least a first position and a second position with respect tosaid support member.
 2. The storage system of claim 1, wherein saidsupport member comprises a plurality of support members in the sameplane and in parallel alignment with respect to one another.
 3. Thestorage system of claim 1, wherein said support members is coupled tothe support surface by a plurality of threaded truss hangers.
 4. Thestorage system of claim 1, wherein the support surface is at least oneof a floor, ceiling, and wall.
 5. The storage system of claim 1, whereinsaid engagement members rotatably engage said engagement surface of saidsupport member.
 6. The storage system of claim 5, wherein saidengagement members are selected from the group of engagement membersconsisting of casters, bearings, rollers, carousel mechanisms, glidemechanisms, and wheels.
 7. The storage system of claim 1, wherein saidengagement members are engagement members that slidedly engage saidengagement surface.
 8. The storage system of claim 1, wherein said truckis aligned perpendicular to said support member and extendstherebetween.
 9. The storage system of claim 1, wherein said couplingmembers are adjustable straps that removably couple said storagereceptacle to said truck.
 10. The storage system of claim 1, whereinsaid plurality of coupling members couple said storage receptacle withsaid truck and provide said storage receptacle with at least two degreesof rotational movement with respect to said truck.
 11. The storagesystem of claim 1, wherein said coupling members are a swivel systemthat couples with said storage receptacle, said swivel system allowingsaid storage receptacle to move with at least two degrees of rotationalmovement.
 12. The storage system of claim 11, wherein said swivel systemincludes an upper portion and a lower portion separated by a carousel,said carousel defining a path and containing at least one ball bearing.13. The storage system of claim 1, wherein said storage receptacleincludes at least one of compartments, closets, hangers, shelves, bins,hooks, drawers, and drawers.
 14. The storage system of claim 1, whereinsaid storage receptacle is at least one selected from the group ofstorage receptacles consisting of containers, tubs, partially enclosedshelves, racks, bins, and cabinets.
 15. The storage system of claim 1,wherein said storage receptacle includes at least one organizingaccessory coupled thereto, said organizing accessories supporting anitem at least one of inside and outside said storage receptacle, saidorganizing accessory is at least one organizing accessory selected fromthe group of organizing accessories consisting of hooks and racks. 16.The storage system of claim 1, wherein said storage receptacle includesat least one fold down workbench.
 17. A storage system, comprising: atleast one support member adapted to engage at least one support surface;at least one storage receptacle frame; and at least one engagementmember coupled with said storage receptacle frame and engaging saidsupport member to move said storage receptacle frame between at least afirst position and a second position with respect to said supportmember.
 18. The storage system of claim 17, wherein said support membercomprises a plurality of support members in the same plane and inparallel alignment with respect to one another.
 19. The storage systemof claim 17, wherein said storage receptacle frame includes a pluralityof elongated frame members being directly coupled to form a plurality ofparallelograms, said parallelograms being coupled one to another to forma three-dimensional figure.
 20. The storage system of claim 17, whereinsaid support member has a plurality of engagement members coupledthereto that movably engage the support surface to move said supportmember between a first position and a second position with respect tothe support surface.
 21. The storage system of claim 17 furthercomprising at least one storage receptacle, said storage receptacleframe supporting said storage receptacle.
 22. The storage system ofclaim 21, wherein said frame includes a swivel system that couples withsaid storage receptacle, said swivel system allowing said storagereceptacle to move with at least two degrees of rotational movement. 23.The storage system of claim 22, wherein said swivel system includes anupper portion and a lower portion separated by a carousel, said carouseldefining a path and containing at least one ball bearing.
 24. Thestorage system of claim 21, wherein said storage receptacle is at leastone storage receptacle selected from the group of storage receptaclesconsisting of containers, tubs, partially enclosed shelves, racks, bins,and cabinets.
 25. The storage system of claim 21, wherein said storagereceptacle includes at least one of compartments, closets, hangers,shelves, bins, hooks, drawers, and drawers.
 26. The storage system ofclaim 21, wherein said storage receptacle includes at least oneorganizing accessory coupled thereto, said organizing accessoriessupporting an item at least one of inside and outside said storagereceptacle, said organizing accessory being selected from the group oforganizing accessories consisting of hooks and racks.
 27. The storagesystem of claim 21, wherein said storage receptacle includes at leastone fold down workbench.
 28. The storage system of claim 21, whereinsaid storage receptacle is directly coupled within said storagereceptacle frame.
 29. The storage system of claim 17, wherein saidengagement member rotatably engages said engagement surface of saidsupport member.
 30. The storage system of claim 17, wherein saidengagement members are selected from the group of engagement membersconsisting of casters, bearings, rollers, carousel mechanisms, glidemechanisms, and wheels.
 31. The storage system of claim 17, wherein saidengagement members slidedly engage said engagement surface.
 32. Thestorage system of claim 17, wherein said support member movably engagesthe support surface and moves with respect to the support surface andsaid storage receptacle frame movably engages said support member andmoves with respect to said support member.
 33. The storage system ofclaim 17 further comprising at least one bracket extending between saidsupport member and said storage receptacle, said bracket being one ofrotatably and fixedly coupled with said support member and engaging saidstorage receptacle.
 34. The storage system of claim 33, wherein saidbracket is a hydraulic actuator that supports and moves said storagereceptacle with respect to said support member.
 35. A storage system,comprising: at least one track adapted to be secured to a supportsurface; and a housing including a plurality of portions, said housingbeing coupled with said track to suspend said housing above a floor, atleast one of said portions being movable between a first position and asecond position.
 36. The storage system of claim 35, wherein the supportsurface is a wall.
 37. The storage system of claim 35, wherein thesupport surface is a wall of a garage.
 38. The storage system of claim35, wherein said portions include a top, a bottom, and a plurality ofsides.
 39. The storage system of claim 38, wherein said top is pivotallycoupled with at least one of said sides.
 40. The storage system of claim38, wherein at least one of said sides is pivotally coupled with atleast one of said top, said bottom, and said sides.
 41. The storagesystem of claim 38, wherein at least one of said sides is usable as adoor.
 42. The storage system of claim 38, wherein at least one of saidsides is pivotally coupled with said bottom, said one side being usableas a ramp.
 43. The storage system of claim 42, wherein said ramp is alsooperable as a door.
 44. The storage system of claim 35, wherein saidhousing further includes a ramp that extends from said housing.
 45. Thestorage system of claim 35, wherein said housing further includes atleast one frame member that couples with said track, at least one ofsaid portions being secured to said frame member.
 46. The storage systemof claim 35, wherein said housing further includes at least one framemember that couples with said track, at least one of said portions beingsupported by said frame member.
 47. A storage system, comprising: atleast one rack adapted to engage a support surface; an extension movablycoupled to said rack; and at least one storage receptacle supported bysaid rack, said storage receptacle being movable between at least afirst position and a second position with respect to the supportsurface.
 48. The storage system of claim 47, wherein said rack includesa plurality of engagement members that engage the support surface tomove said rack and said storage receptacle between said first positionand said second position, said engagement members are selected from thegroup of engagement members consisting of casters, bearings, rollers,carousel mechanisms, glide mechanisms, and wheels.
 49. The storagesystem of claim 47, wherein said storage receptacle includes a pluralityof engagement members that engage said rack to move said storagereceptacle between said first position and said second position, saidengagement members are selected from the group of engagement membersconsisting of casters, bearings, rollers, carousel mechanisms, glidemechanisms, and wheels.
 50. The storage system of claim 49 furthercomprising a frame, said frame engaging said rack and containing saidstorage receptacle.
 51. The storage system of claim 47 furthercomprising a truck, said truck being coupled with said storagereceptacle and having a plurality of engagement members that movablyengage said rack to move said truck and said storage receptacle betweena first position and a second position with respect to said rack. 52.The storage system of claim 51, wherein said truck further includes aswivel system that couples with said storage receptacle, said swivelsystem allowing said storage receptacle to move with at least twodegrees of rotational movement.
 53. The storage system of claim 52,wherein said swivel system includes an upper portion and a lower portionseparated by a carousel, said carousel defining a path and containing atleast one ball bearing.
 54. The storage system of claim 47, wherein saidstorage receptacle includes at least one of compartments, closets,hangers, shelves, bins, hooks, drawers, and drawers.
 55. The storagesystem of claim 47, wherein said storage receptacle includes at leastone organizing accessory coupled thereto, said organizing accessoriessupporting an item at least one of inside and outside said storagereceptacle, said organizing accessory being selected from the group oforganizing accessories consisting of hooks and racks.
 56. The storagesystem of claim 47, wherein said storage receptacle includes at leastone fold down workbench.
 57. The storage system of claim 47, whereinsaid storage receptacle is at least one storage receptacle selected fromthe group of storage receptacles consisting of containers, tubs,partially enclosed shelves, racks, bins, and cabinets.
 58. A storagesystem, comprising: at least one support member adapted to engage atleast one support surface; at least one storage receptacle; and at leastone engagement member coupled with said storage receptacle and engagingsaid support member to move said storage receptacle between at least afirst position and a second position with respect to said supportmember.
 59. The storage system of claim 58, wherein said support membercomprises a plurality of support members that are in the same plane andin parallel alignment with respect to one another, said support membersbeing separated by a distance proportional to the support surface andsaid storage receptacle.
 60. The storage system of claim 58, whereinsaid support member has a plurality of engagement members coupledthereto that movably engage the support surface to move said supportmember between a first position and a second position with respect tothe support surface.
 61. The storage system of claim 58 furthercomprising a swivel system that couples said storage receptacle withsaid support members, said swivel system allowing said storagereceptacle to move with at least two degrees of rotational movement. 62.The storage system of claim 61, wherein said swivel system includes anupper portion and a lower portion separated by a carousel, said carouseldefining a path and containing at least one ball bearing.
 63. Thestorage system of claim 58, wherein said storage receptacle is at leastone storage receptacle selected from the group of storage receptaclesconsisting of containers, tubs, partially enclosed shelves, racks, bins,and cabinets.
 64. The storage system of claim 58, wherein said storagereceptacle includes at least one of compartments, closets, hangers,shelves, bins, hooks, drawers, and drawers.
 65. The storage system ofclaim 58, wherein said storage receptacle includes at least oneorganizing accessory coupled thereto, said organizing accessoriessupporting an item at least one of inside and outside said storagereceptacle, said organizing accessory being selected from the group oforganizing accessories consisting of hooks and racks.
 66. The storagesystem of claim 58, wherein said storage receptacle includes at leastone fold down workbench.
 67. The storage system of claim 58, whereinsaid engagement member rotatably engages said engagement surface of saidsupport member.
 68. The storage system of claim 58, wherein saidengagement members are selected from the group of engagement membersconsisting of casters, bearings, rollers, carousel mechanisms, glidemechanisms, and wheels.
 69. The storage system of claim 58, wherein saidengagement members slidedly engage said engagement surface.
 70. Thestorage system of claim 58, wherein said support member movably engagesthe support surface and moves with respect to the support surface andsaid storage receptacle movably engages said support member and moveswith respect to said support member.
 71. A storage system, comprising:at least one swivel system adapted to engage a support surface; and atleast one storage receptacle coupled to said swivel system, said swivelsystem supporting said storage receptacle and allowing said storagereceptacle to move with at least two degrees of rotational movement withrespect to said support surface.
 72. The storage system of claim 71,wherein said support surface is a ceiling.
 73. The storage system ofclaim 71, wherein said swivel system includes an upper portion and alower portion separated by a carousel.
 74. The storage system of claim73, wherein said carousel includes a ball bearing arrangement.